#18 in Alaska
Knee

Dr. Gary Molk, D.O.

Orthopedic Surgery
15 procedures 1 hospital Fairbanks, AK
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 15 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Gary Molk is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fairbanks, Alaska. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Molk has performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #18 in Alaska.

In Alaska, Dr. Molk performs below average in knee (15 vs 36 avg).

Dr. Molk's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 15 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.

Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Molk holds additional credentials in Orthopaedic Trauma, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.

Fairbanks is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fairbanks area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Molk's Medicare data spans 4 years, beginning in 2014. Volume peaked at 26 procedures in 2016 before settling at 15 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Molk's 15 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
15 verified cases
#18 in Alaska
Estimated total: 40 – 50 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
How is this estimated?

Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.

How Dr. Molk Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Alaska state average.

Knee Below Avg
15 Avg: 36
Dr. Molk Alaska Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 907-459-3545
1919 Lathrop St Ste 105
Fairbanks, AK 99701
NPI: 1629233895
Credentials: D.O.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
18 years of practice experience
Licensed D.O.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Molk's recorded volume peaked at 26 procedures in 2016 and stood at 15 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 4
2023 Volume 15
Peak Volume 26 (2016)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
★★★☆☆
Fairbanks, AK
Similar to national avg

Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Molk

How does Dr. Molk's procedure volume compare to other Alaska surgeons?

Dr. Molk has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alaska average is 52 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Molk ranks #24 out of 27 orthopedic surgeons in Alaska.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Molk perform?

Dr. Molk's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

How experienced is Dr. Molk with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Molk ranks #18 in Alaska for knee replacement with 15 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 27 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Molk in Fairbanks?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Fairbanks in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all Alaska surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Molk represent?

The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Molk's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Molk's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Molk's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 26 procedures in 2016 and was 15 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.

Which hospitals is Dr. Molk affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Molk is affiliated with Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

How does Dr. Molk compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fairbanks?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Fairbanks, Dr. Molk ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Molk is among the highest-volume surgeons in Fairbanks.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Molk practices?

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Fairbanks, Alaska

Dr. Molk's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Fairbanks average of 20. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fairbanks.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Neal Everson 33 Hip, Knee
Dr. Mark Wade 12 Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Gary Molk, D.O. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ak/dr-gary-molk-fairbanks.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ak/dr-gary-molk-fairbanks.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.